My journey to earning a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University // helpful tips to succeed in graduate school

WHY Grad School?

Well, why not?! There’s a wealth of opportunities available to you through this experience! And…it doesn’t hurt to buy yourself some extra time to figure out what you want to do with your life.

Please keep in mind that this is a question you will naturally ask yourself many times before you apply…and probably even moretimes after and especially once you’ve started (speaking of which…). Nevertheless, trust me–it’s so worth it.

UPDATE: I LOVE being a PhD candidate *dusts off shoulders* post-qualifying exams. Someone once defined this period for me as “smooth sailing,” but it feels even better! Imagine getting paid to become an expert in something you find fascinating. Imagine being surrounded by brilliant people in your field of study and surrounding fields that occasionally drop nuggets of wisdom that you can incorporate into your work. Imagine being able to learn about this phenomenon and adding to the collective body of knowledge. A PhD, especially at an institution such as this one, is a playground for the curious mind. Except, I get to be the one who plays and the architect who decides which attractions I want in my park. Then after a few goes, I get to create a new main attraction! Okay, maybe I lost you on the analogy. Put it simply: this is the best decision I could have made.

This page is continuously updated with nuggets of wisdom that I collect answering the question, “Why Grad School?” Additionally, I will begin posting information about “How Grad School?” as I learn how to continue navigating this process myself!

HOW Grad School?

(the following are adapted quotes and nuggets of wisdom I’ve received along the way)

“It’s never as bad as you think it is, or as good as you think it is.”